Uncle Ernie's
Legendary BBQ ribs and rum punch on Shoal Bay East since 1984
Why Go
The purple-and-green shack anchoring the far end of Shoal Bay East isn't trying to impress anyone with white tablecloths ΓÇö and that's exactly why locals and repeat visitors have been eating here for four decades. Uncle Ernie's is the closest thing Anguilla has to a living monument: an old-school Caribbean beach bar that predates the island's luxury boom, still run by the same family, still grilling ribs over open flame ten feet from the turquoise water.
The Experience
You walk in barefoot, sand between your toes, and order at the wooden counter. There's no host, no reservation system, no dress code ΓÇö just weathered picnic tables under a tin roof, reggae or soca drifting from the speakers, and Miss Icilma or a cousin working the register. The vibe is loose and unhurried: order, grab a rum punch, wander back to your beach chair, and someone will holler when it's ready. Sundays are the day to come ΓÇö that's when Keith Gumbs sets up his keyboard and sax and the crowd swells with locals, expats, and in-the-know visitors making an afternoon of it. The beach here is arguably the best in Anguilla, so plan to swim before, after, and probably during lunch.
What to Try
The ribs are the reason to come ΓÇö slow-cooked, smoky, glazed with a house BBQ sauce, and consistently called the best on the island. If ribs aren't your thing, the grilled chicken and burgers are honest and generously portioned, and when they have crayfish or lobster it's worth the splurge (ask what's fresh ΓÇö availability shifts with the boats). Wash it down with the famous rum punch; one is a vacation, two is a commitment.
Insider Tip
Cash is king and the kitchen runs on island time ΓÇö order well before you're actually hungry, especially if you're eyeing the ribs, which can sell out by early afternoon on busy Sundays. Grab a table on the sand side rather than the road side for the view, and if you're coming for the Sunday live music, arrive by 1pm to claim seating before the crowd rolls in.
The Practical Stuff
Located at the far east end of the main road onto Shoal Bay East beach. Open daily roughly 10am to 6pm for lunch, drinks, and early dinner ΓÇö this is a daytime spot, not a late-night one. No reservations. Cash preferred. Casual to the extreme: swimsuits and cover-ups are the uniform. Family-friendly and dog-tolerant. Bring sunscreen and be ready for sand everywhere.
Pair It With
- Shoal Bay East Beach — Uncle Ernie's sits directly on it ΓÇö spend the morning swimming and snorkeling the reef, then walk barefoot to lunch.
- Elodia's — Another long-standing Shoal Bay beach shack a short stroll down the sand if you want to compare rum punches or grab a second round.
- Sunday afternoon live music — Keith Gumbs on keys and sax turns the bar into the island's best casual party ΓÇö build your Sunday around it.